Vocation & Co @ Society, Manchester

Set in a small, modern Society foodhall beside the canal basin with the Bridgwater Hall on the opposite side. Airy inside, with large windows, (mostly) canteen-style tables and the expected semi-industrial look. Remarkable display of 30 craft keg taps on bronze bar-back, with a huge variety of guest and the brewery's own beers. Four handpumps can also be found on the counter, offering Bread & Butter (£4.20) and Heart & Soul plus a foul-sounding 6% collaboration with Vault City and Deya's Texture Like Sun golden ale.

Large industrial barn with various food and drink concessions. Battery hen bench tables and lighting at a level that an owl would struggle with. There's a Vocation bar here with three cask and 30 (!) craftykeg. Went for a Heart & Soul which was a bit floury tasting, maybe barrel end but not their usual standard (NBSS 2.5) served-up by a surprisingly friendly barman given the general air of chaos. Final nail in the coffin was broken wi-fi. Not my kind of place at all, I can’t see why you’d want to drink here out of choice. GBG’23 listed because it’s Manchester so of course it is.